How To Care for Your Upholstery, The Right Way

Keeping your upholstery in tip-top shape should definitely be on your spring cleaning list. We've put together a simple refresher on how to clean different upholstery types, from leather to microfiber.

Microfiber | Solvent-Based Cleaners

Finer than silk, microfiber strands create a velvety yet durable fabric that’s ideal for upholstery that gets a lot of traffic and sees lots of stains. Use solvent or dry-cleaning products instead of water-based products for microfiber and vacuum weekly. Vacuum first, spot-clean with your solvent cleaner and once it's dried, gently brush the fibers to restore the surface of the fabric.

Leather | Leather Cleaner + Conditioner

Durable, long-lasting and beautiful, leather is a great choice for elegant spaces where durability is key. Vacuum leather as needed and clean with a soft cloth dampened with leather cleaner. Always test a small spot with the cleaner before using on the entire piece. Use a leather conditioner every six months to promote suppleness.

Cotton | Mild Solvent-Based Cleaner

Cotton is easy to clean and resistant to fading or pulling. While cotton upholstery may wear thin faster than leather or microfiber, it’s an excellent choice for warm climates or low-traffic pieces. Spot clean with a mild solvent such as diluted dish soap. For sticky substances like chewing gum: first freeze the stain with ice cubes in a plastic bag, chip away with a plastic knife, and proceed to clean with a mild detergent.

Linen | Gentle Detergent

Classic and elegant, linen is a great choice for formal spaces or to add a richness to an otherwise casual room. Make sure linen isn't used in super sunny rooms, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. Wash linen by hand using hot water with a mild detergent. Rinsing well is vital, as leftover soap residue will damage fine linen over time.